:( knockoff - Mercedes-Benz C-class sedan

[ash1]

:( knockoff - Mercedes-Benz C-class sedan
Genuine Article: Mercedes-Benz C-class sedan

http://www.radaronline.com/features/images/2006/09/mercedes.jpg

Retail Price: $28,000-$55,000



Next best thing: A Geely Merrie. This shameless Chinese knockoff of a German classic incorporates some of the same designs as a C-class and, though somewhat smaller, is nearly identical in the nose and tail. You can get the Merrie for between $10k and $11k, a steal compared to the pound of flesh a real C-class costs. A legal adaptation of the Merrie, the provocatively named Freedom Cruiser, debuted at the Detroit Auto Show early this year, and sports the same Benz-like features as its black market predecessor. Geely plans to market the Freedom Cruiser in Puerto Rico in 2008, with mainland availability soon to follow. Provided your gold-digging squeeze doesn't notice the different logo on the hood, you'll be ridin' dirty in no time.



Legality: Iffy. The Geely is a tricky case. Technically, as long as they don't attempt to pass their model off as a Mercedes they're in the clear. But Benz could still make a case that the Merrie is stealing creative property in the form of design—and, if the Freedom Cruiser is marketed in the United States, odds are they will.
Geely Pics (http://www.chinacarforums.com)

[pimento]

Ahh those incorrigible Chinese auto-manufacturers. I saw some crash footage of a soft roader from there once, I think I'd be safer in my old mini. Still, when you can't afford to design your own car you'll get a better looking one by nicking someone else's than by just putting some bits and bobs together.

[Clivey]

Ahh those incorrigible Chinese auto-manufacturers. I saw some crash footage of a soft roader from there once, I think I'd be safer in my old mini.

The Landwind SUV? Video's on Youtube, I'll post a link when I'm not at college.

[john14]

Are these Chinese auto-manufacturers Chinese owned companies or do American or European car companies or non-car companies own some of them?

[ruim20]

I really don't get it, why don't they spend a bit of time and draw they'r one cars... production wise it's the same, the plans have to be made, cheap copy or not...

[adrenaline]

I wouldn't think copying would have any effect on cost and time...It's not like they are working with the same dimensions as a merc...they have to design it all themselves. It's not a matter of "we are lazy", its a dumb plan to lure buyers into thinking they are getting a mercedes type product IMO.

[6speed]

:( knockoff - Mercedes-Benz C-class sedan
Genuine Article: Mercedes-Benz C-class sedan

http://www.radaronline.com/features/images/2006/09/mercedes.jpg

Retail Price: $28,000-$55,000



Next best thing: A Geely Merrie. This shameless Chinese knockoff of a German classic incorporates some of the same designs as a C-class and, though somewhat smaller, is nearly identical in the nose and tail. You can get the Merrie for between $10k and $11k, a steal compared to the pound of flesh a real C-class costs. A legal adaptation of the Merrie, the provocatively named Freedom Cruiser, debuted at the Detroit Auto Show early this year, and sports the same Benz-like features as its black market predecessor. Geely plans to market the Freedom Cruiser in Puerto Rico in 2008, with mainland availability soon to follow. Provided your gold-digging squeeze doesn't notice the different logo on the hood, you'll be ridin' dirty in no time.



Legality: Iffy. The Geely is a tricky case. Technically, as long as they don't attempt to pass their model off as a Mercedes they're in the clear. But Benz could still make a case that the Merrie is stealing creative property in the form of design—and, if the Freedom Cruiser is marketed in the United States, odds are they will.
Geely Pics (http://www.chinacarforums.com)

Someone want to enlighten me on this "Freedom Cruiser"?

[hec16]

do you think MB can sue them for that
________
Bongs (http://glassbongs.org/)

[Coventrysucks]

If you actually confused the two cars, you'd be in need of urgent medical help.

[kingofthering]

blech.

[Clivey]

Don't you just love Chinese cars?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0bDsgz2Jmz8

:rolleyes:

[DesmoRob]

It has the shape and dimensions of the previous generation Jetta. My Jetta was the first thing it reminded me of, except with wierd Mercedesish traits.

[Esperante]

That doesn't look much like a Mercedes, save the grille and the headlights. It's a lot cuter looking.

'Freedom Cruiser...' Sounds like George Pataki named it.

[NSXType-R]

The headlights look like it's from an old S class, but I don't see anything remotely similar to the C-class. It's not as similar as you want it to be.:D

[Clivey]

That doesn't look much like a Mercedes

It doesn't look anything like a Mercedes...just because it has four wheels etc. Lol.

In all honesty, if I saw that car out on the street, I'd think it was a 1998 model year Kia or Hyundai. It already looks 10 years old, it's anonymous and bland and as far as I can see, there's no actual design gone into any of it.

[Esperante]

On second thought, the headlights look more like completely clear first gen Boxster headlights...

[Esperante]

I was just thinking, 'How could this person think it looked like a Mercedes?' And so I did some research, and found this photo of the Geely Merrie 300 prototype:
http://www.ajovalo.net/Kuvat/GeelyMerrie300.jpg
And this is even more interesting:guess who sued Geely over the Geely Merrie logo?
http://www.schwimmerlegal.com/images/merrie.jpg
Geely has also stated in the Merries advertisements that Merries have Toyota engines, which they don't...

[The_Canuck]

Crapcrapcrappitycrapcrap. I have no respect for these cars at all.